Connections Spring 2010
www.nebcommfound.org
NCF Launches $4 Million Campaign
A LOOK INSIDE...
The Nebraska Community Foundation is one of only five organizations nationwide to receive up to a $1 million challenge grant from the Ford Foundation. Linetta J. Gilbert, senior program officer at the Ford Foundation, made the announcement at NCF’s Annual Banquet celebration in November. The grant must be matched three-to-one by contributions from Nebraska-connected donors. To date, $1.3 million in match has been Linetta J. Gilbert announces the Ford Challenge to an committed. audience of more than 200 NCF affiliated fund leaders, “Some of you may ask why the Nebraska friends and supporters in Columbus, NE. Community Foundation is receiving for all. That early strategy has now become a this gift,” Gilbert said. “Well, simply, Ford seeks national model. out visionaries on the front lines of social change. “This type of innovation needs to be linked to a The Nebraska Community Foundation has really strong, stable base,” Gilbert said. She challenged distinguished itself in critical ways. Nebraskans to grow NCF’s endowment and operating capacity to ensure that NCF can nurture all of its affiliated funds and be a strong parent “What you are doing to rebuild your organization, today and in the future. communities is unique, and the rest of the nation is watching what you do.” Linetta Gilbert reminded the audience that Linetta J. Gilbert uncertain economic times should not restrict Senior Program Officer fundraising efforts. She noted that in the The Ford Foundation history of giving in the U.S., the largest amount of individual giving occurred during the Great Depression. “In the field of philanthropy, NCF determined its niche “These economic times will require the Foundation for itself among regional and national foundations. to remain focused and steady. This challenge How can philanthropy organize local intellect, pride grant will enable the Foundation to be there for and money to reinvent rural economies in Nebraska? That was the question and the niche that you decided all of the affiliated funds, while it strengthens its own operations and builds its own endowment,” to work within,” Gilbert said. Gilbert said. “The Nebraska Community Foundation has “The Ford Challenge grant is a public endorsement helped you believe enough in the future of your communities in rural Nebraska that you and others that says, you will go further, and we’re glad to are giving your time, talent and resources to make have you as a partner. Thank you so much for this investment opportunity.” your communities effective places and safe places
ANNUAL BANQUET and EXPO
NCF By The Numbers (12/31/09)
200 Affiliated Funds $58.7 Million Total Assets $30.4 Million Endowed Assets 164 Planned Gifts 34,486 Contributions $96.6 Million Reinvested
184 Communities Served 11% Year-Over-Year Growth 30% Year-Over-Year Growth $33 Million to Benefit Nebraska Received in the Last 5 Years $53.7 Million in the Last 5 Years
Affiliated fund leaders and guests gather in Columbus for two days of inspiration, celebration and training. The banquet featured speakers from four northeast Nebraska affiliated funds in a salute to the NCF partnership model.
Full article on page 3
CHARITABLE GIFT SUPPORTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Earnings from NCF’s largest estate gift ever will provide funding to match local support for business coaching. The grant will go to Holt County Economic Development, an affiliated fund and partner in the HomeTown Competitiveness initiative. Full article on page 6
GRANT ENCOURAGES ECONOMIC INTEGRATION Training in financial literacy will help new Americans in the Columbus area become more involved and engaged in their community. The Columbus Area Community Foundation Fund is playing a major role. Full article on page 6
BEST PRACTICE: CONNECTING WITH COMMUNITY Sometimes raising community awareness is as important as raising dollars. The Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund earns an award for its family-friendly event. Full article on page 8
Inside NCF NCF BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Members
Brian Thompson of Waverly, Chair Shannon Harner of Lincoln, Vice Chair Brandon Day of Norfolk, Secretary F.E. Pete Peterson of Brule, Treasurer P. Mark Graff of McCook, Immediate Past Chair
At-Large Members
Allen Blezek of Lincoln Judy Brockmeier of Eustis Joe Ferguson of Norfolk Janet Krotter Chvala of Atkinson Judith Scherer Connealy of Decatur Lori Pankonin of Imperial Jon Schmaderer of Stuart Dennis Stara* of Lincoln Susan Ugai of Lincoln Richard Walter of Shickley Ray Welsh of Pender * Advisory Member
Honorary Members
Helen Boosalis* of Lincoln Steve Buttress of Kearney Fred Bruning of Bruning Brenda Council of Omaha Connie Day* of Norfolk Jim Fehringer of Columbus Nancy Hoch of Nebraska City Richard Hunt of Blair Kim Lauritzen* of Omaha Fred Lockwood of Scottsbluff Rodrigo Lopez of Omaha Ed Loutzenheiser of Juniata Bob Mundy of Omaha Senator Ben Nelson of Omaha Ron Parks of Papillion Beverly Pollock of Ogallala Sid Salzman of Ainsworth Jim Scholz of Omaha Frank Sibert of Kearney Bob Stowell of Ord Kathleen Thuman of Lincoln Mimi Waldbaum* of Omaha Jeanene Wehrbein of Plattsmouth Jim Wolf * of Albion * Deceased
President and CEO Jeffrey G Yost
Endowing the Future NCF helps communities determine their future and take full advantage of their own local resources. We are the only organization that is using grassroots philanthropy as an economic development tool. We’re putting boots on the ground to build leadership, engage young people and support entrepreneurship so communities across the state will have a prosperous future. NCF teaches community leaders how to use charitable giving to make their communities better places to live and work. To this end, NCF is not a grantmaker itself. Decisions on grantmaking occur at the local level through our affiliated funds. “Just as tuition does not cover the total cost of educating students, administrative fees paid by our affiliated funds cover only a small portion of our expenses for the… support we provide for our 1,800 volunteer affiliated fund leaders.” Jeff Yost President & CEO Nebraska Community Foundation
The Nebraska Community Foundation is a community development organization. We are somewhat like an institution of higher learning… for communities. Just as tuition does not cover the total cost of educating students, administrative fees paid by our affiliated funds cover only a small portion of our expenses for the training, coaching, outreach and support we provide for our 1,800
Source of Funds –
NCF Operations and Development
Contributions, Grants & Contracts NCF Endowment Payout
I On the Leading Edge
37.2% 2.6%
Investment Income
23.3%
Administrative FeesPublic/Private Partnerships
12.6%
Administrative Fees - All Other Affiliated Funds
24.3%
Total: $1,767,714 For fiscal year ended June 30, 2009
2
volunteer affiliated fund leaders. The NCF endowment will help underwrite these services to make them affordable for rural communities, just as colleges Jeff Yost and hospitals NCF President & CEO use earnings from their endowments to maintain institutional quality and accessibility. For several years we have received generous support through grants from national foundations. These investments have enabled NCF to support our network of volunteers. Together we have inspired greater charitable giving and built permanent endowments in nearly 100 community-based affiliated funds. We should not and cannot assume that resources from out-of-state funders will be available indefinitely. Like the communities we serve, NCF must build its own permanent endowment to advance our mission. Your gift to the Ford Challenge campaign will ensure that our communities will become more self-reliant, more in control of their own destinies and better places for families to enjoy the good life.
Annual celebration and new board members www.nebcommfound.org
Building Tomorrow Today
New Board Members
Two longtime advocates for rural Nebraska were NCF held its Annual change not only elected to the NCF Board of Directors in November Banquet and Expo the mindset about 2009. Dr. Allen Blezek and Joe Ferguson have received on November 12, our youth but also numerous awards for their outstanding service in 2009 in Columbus. to make those community and leadership development. NCF is More than 200 communities an honored to welcome them on board. NCF affiliated fund attractive place to leaders, friends and live and return to for Dr. Allen G. Blezek supporters gathered our young people,” of Lincoln is widely to celebrate NCF’s said Day. recognized as an educator, success in “Building an innovator and a leader Brandon Day Trustees of the Erna R. Badstieber Donor-Advised Fund, Tomorrow Today.” throughout Nebraska Jan and Joe Badstieber of Columbus and Judy Hemberger recognized all of Estes Park, CO, celebrate the power of philanthropy. In and on the national and In addition to the of NCF’s Legacy 2009 the Fund awarded $39,000 in scholarships to eight international level. He announcement of Club members – needy students in the Columbus area. has served as Director the Ford Foundation individuals and of the Nebraska LEAD Challenge by keynote speaker Linetta J. Gilbert families who have provided significant support Program for nearly 25 years, and now holds the rank of (see page 1), the audience heard about positive through lifetime gifts and planned gifts. Professor Emeritus in UNL’s Department of Agricultural changes in northeast Nebraska. “I would like to thank the Nebraska Community Leadership, Education and Communication. Allen NCF Board Chair Brian Thompson opened the Foundation, all of you working at affiliated funds, has served as a member and president of numerous program with encouraging news that despite the and anybody else for helping all the Connie Days organizations including the Nebraska Agricultural uncertain economic climate, NCF grew by five all across the State to feel the pride and joy that Leadership Council, Nebraska FFA Foundation, University percent over the past fiscal year. Since 1993, NCF she did by allowing them to give back to their of Nebraska faculty senate and Lincoln East Rotary. and its affiliated funds have reinvested more than community and build that permanent legacy. Joe C. Ferguson of $96 million in Nebraska. Thank you!” Norfolk is the Director of Jim Fehringer of Columbus served as master Business, Industry and of ceremonies. Speakers included several NCF Economic Development affiliated fund leaders. at Northeast Community Deb Welsh of Pender praised NCF saying, “They are College. Joe has always there, just like good parents…if it’s an e-mail more than 20 years of or a phone call or a webinar, they are always there.” leadership experience McCarthy Group Advisors, Omaha through numerous Rick Chochon of Columbus and Jon Schmaderer of Pinnacle Bank, Lincoln community and economic development groups in Stuart explained how HomeTown Competitiveness Consolidated Companies, Lincoln Norfolk and northeast Nebraska. He is the founding is catalyzing community action for economic The Day Companies, Norfolk president of the Nebraska Development Network and development. These efforts are influencing donors. Farmers State Bank, Maywood a former member of the Nebraska Rural Development In Holt County more than $2 million in bequests First National Bank, Omaha Commission. Joe is a member of Nebraska Diplomats and planned gifts have resulted. MNB Financial Group, Inc., McCook Board of Directors and was the 2008 Nebraska Diplomat “We had a framework for what we were doing, we Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, Lincoln of the Year. Joe has been associated with NCF as Vice had a vision, we had a plan. People recognized that Chair of the Norfolk Community Foundation Fund. we were doing good things and they wanted to give,” said Schmaderer, who is also an NCF Board member. Brandon Day, NCF Board Secretary and member of the Norfolk Community Foundation Fund On the morning following the Annual Banquet affiliated fund leaders Advisory Committee, reported on NCF’s recent gathered for NCF training sessions. Members had the option of spending the youth surveys. The surveys in northeast Nebraska morning delving into NCF’s new action planning framework. They could also were supported through the Connie Day Fund, choose to attend concurrent sessions on a range of topics, including leadership an endowment established by a bequest from succession, donor identification, online marketing tools, women in leadership, Brandon’s mother. planned giving and communications. NCF also facilitated community planning sessions for Stuart and Columbus. “The self-fulfilling prophecy of youth outKarla Uhlir and Brian Vakoc participate in their first NCF on-site training session. They are officers of migration has to end. And NCF is on the front the new Verdigre Community Foundation Fund, formed in 2009. lines with the communities all across the state to
2009 Annual Banquet Major Corporate Sponsors
annual Training
On the Leading Edge I
3
Affiliated Fund Updates NCF Community Funds Bee Area Community Foundation Fund is NCF’s newest community-based affiliated fund. The Fund is working to restore the Bee States Ballroom as a gathering place for community events. The facility is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Perkins County Community Foundation Fund (PCCFF) met its Hunt Challenge year-end deadline by raising $150,000. The Hunt family, owners of Great Plains Communications, contributed an additional $50,000 in matching funds. This is the fifth community served by Great Plains Communications to successfully meet the challenge to build an endowment for strategic grantmaking. Runners and walkers in southeast Nebraska take off from downtown Hickman to enjoy one of the first races in 2010.
Norfolk area supporters include (from left) Julie Robinson, Courtney Klein-Faust, Tammy Day, Mayor Sue Fuchtman, Candy Allen and Paula Pflueger. Kneeling (from left) are Cindy Morrow and Renee Albin.
Norfolk Area Community Foundation Fund organized 12 local nonprofits and 12 business sponsors to produce a “Women in Action” 2010 calendar. More than 100 women were photographed at work in their community benefit roles. The goal of the project is to highlight Norfolk’s charities and encourage a culture of giving back of time and talent as well as treasure. Eustis Area Community Foundation Fund has received a five-year endowment-building challenge from First Bank & Trust in Eustis and Grabenstein Insurance Agency. The Fund must raise $10,000 per year to be matched by $5,000 for a total of $75,000. The campaign kicked off with a cream can supper. The Fund begins action planning facilitated by NCF this spring.
Hickman Area Community Foundation Fund benefited from two events in February. Nearly 300 people took part in the 28th Annual Animal Run with proceeds going to the Fund’s Aquatic Center project. Later that day, the Hickman American Legion Auxiliary’s Third Annual Chili Cook-Off raised funds for the same cause. All told, more than $7,000 was raised, thanks to collaboration with numerous community partners.
KCCFF Chair Joanie Halligan, Terry and Gwen Johnson, and Vice Chair F. E. “Pete” Peterson announce the newest planned gift at the annual grantmaking celebration.
Keith County Community Foundation Fund (KCCFF) distributed $20,000 in grants to 15 civic projects and organizations during its sixth annual grantmaking celebration. The Fund also received a sizeable planned gift from Terry and Gwen Johnson of Ogallala, the fourth such gift pledged to the Fund’s unrestricted endowment. In just seven years the endowment and expectancies have grown to more than $1 million.
The Eustis cream can supper drew 183 people and raised $14,446 for the community’s endowment-building campaign.
McCook Community Foundation Fund has an active youth advisory group that is raising money for their community. Don Harpst, Fund Advisory Committee Chair, says the group shows young people that they can and do make a difference in their community.
4
I On the Leading Edge
Members of Youth Change Reaction awarded McCook Elementary Principal Linda Baumbaugh, (front left,) $500 to help teach Spanish to elementary students.
Left to right: Kevin Poppe, Great Plains Communications; Michelle Ross, PCCFF Chair; Brandon Wood, Great Plains Communications; PCCFF members Becky Uehling, Ashley Colglazier and Jeff Wallin; Gail Jensen, Hunt Family representative; Dan Ross, Great Plains Communications; Jana Jensen, Nebraska Community Foundation.
Thedford Area Community Foundation Fund continues to attract more folks to its annual fundraising banquet. The event drew 189 people from a population area of only about 700 and raised $20,000 for the Fund’s endowment. Since its founding six years ago, the Fund has made more than 40 grants for economic development and community improvement.
NCF Gift Planning Director Jim Gustafson (right) presents a token of appreciation to Joan Hendrickson, a new member of NCF’s Legacy Society, as Don Harpst of McCook looks on.
Shickley Community Foundation Fund honored Joan Hendrickson as its sixth Legacy Society donor during its sixth annual banquet. The Fund has 150 donor households in this community of 350, and it has reinvested $95,000 through grants to the Shickley area. The Fund exceeded the goal of harnessing 5 percent of its 10-year transfer of wealth. It will begin action planning with NCF this spring.
COMMUNITY AND ORGANIZATIONAL SUCCESS HIGHLIGHTS www.nebcommfound.org
Organizational and Donor-Advised Funds
save the date
The WealthSpring Fund, a statewide
NCF Annual Celebration in LINCOLN
affiliated fund, provides grants to organizations that build women’s financial stability. Recent awards went to support job skills training in fork lift operations, market gardening, resume and interview preparation and after-school childcare. Recently, WealthSpring collaborated with the Butler County Area Community Foundation Fund by providing a matching grant to Genesis Personal Development Center in David City. Funding will be used to assist women who are re-entering the workforce after escaping domestic abuse.
Thursday, November 4
Pat Lostroh is all smiles as she accepts a second challenge grant from the WealthSpring Fund to benefit Genesis Personal Development Center.
Holt County Economic Development Fund (HCED), an NCF affiliated fund, held its second
annual event in January. Guest speaker Tim O’Brien, Business Development Manager at the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, praised HCED’s county-wide HomeTown Competitiveness success. He said Holt County is leading the way in several areas: reaching out to young people, aggressive business assistance, community pride with a county-wide vision, and harnessing local resources to support these efforts. O’Brien said that a recent survey shows that 80 percent of Nebraska expatriates under the age of 30 would move back for a good job. This group cites “family and friends” as the most important reason to return.
The Seger Family Donor-Advised Fund has made its first grant of $4,850 to the
Murphy Center in Stuart. The Murphy Center will operate as a regional theater and media center. The Center began exterior renovations in 2008; interior improvements are scheduled for completion in June 2010. Paul and Karen Seger initiated their donoradvised fund through a generous gift of ag commodities.
Join us at the Embassy Suites as we celebrate the success of our hometowns across the state! • Affiliated Fund Exposition • Social Hour • Banquet
Friday, November 5 • Affiliated Fund Training
BECOME A FAN Join us on Facebook for the latest photos and news about NCF and its affiliated funds across the state. Share your comments and keep in touch. Our address is http://tinyurl.com/NCFonFB Better yet, go to Facebook and search Nebraska Community Foundation.
Paul and Karen Seger of Atkinson
Peter Kiewit Foundation Helps Affiliated Funds Meet Emergency Needs For a second year, the Peter Kiewit Foundation of Omaha worked with NCF to provide grants to meet local emergency food and utility needs of distressed families. Six community-based affiliated funds – Columbus, Imperial, Keith County, McCook, Norfolk and O’Neill – each received $20,000 to re-grant to local social service organizations. On behalf of our affiliated funds and the communities they serve, NCF is grateful for the generous support provided to people in need across the state. Doug Gaswick, left, Imperial Community Foundation Fund treasurer, presents a $15,000 Peter Kiewit check replica to Pastor Todd Burpo and Pastor David Kahle who represent the Southwest Nebraska Ministerial Association. At right, ICF board member Derek Russell presents a $5,000 check to Becky Berry, director of the Imperial Community Center. Others ICFF members pictured from left, Elna Johnson, Elsie Newman, Chair Marvin Large and Secretary Lori Pankonin. (Imperial Republican photo)
On the Leading Edge I
5
Charitable Giving Grant Support for Economic Development Holt County Economic Development, an affiliated fund of NCF, has had a lot to celebrate since its launch in 2007. New and expanded businesses have created or retained more than 100 full-time jobs. Now there is more good news. NCF’s Rudolph H. Elis Donor-Advised Fund, with an endowment of more than $2 million, will make its first grant to HCED to support entrepreneurial development and people attraction in Holt County. The three-year commitment of $87,500 will be matched two-to-one by local sources and will support the hiring of a business coach. Holt County has been a HomeTown Competitiveness community since 2005. This grant is a manifestation of how HTC enables grassroots philanthropy to begin and complete a full circle of community reinvestment. Rudolph Elis was interested in investing in communities that were innovative and intentional in their
efforts to thrive. He specifically targeted the O’Neill and Norfolk areas for his charitable intentions because he saw evidence that these two NCF communities were on the road to success. “The addition of a business coach to our staff will enable us to provide timely, critical assistance to connect our businesses to new programs, markets and areas of growth,” said Nicole Sedlacek, HCED Director.
HCED Director Nicole Sedlacek with Jon Schmaderer, HCED Secretary/Treasurer and NCF Board member.
Economic Education for Immigrant Families New Americans living in the Columbus and Schuyler area will be able to increase their financial literacy skills thanks to funding secured through the Nebraska Community Foundation. NCF worked with local leaders of the Hispanic community and others to raise $17,000 to match a $33,000 grant from the Ford Foundation.
Guadalupe Arcos is a personal banking officer at Pinnacle Bank in Columbus. She is a New Americans committee member working to increase financial literacy among new immigrants.
“This grant is for new Americans to become involved in the community,” said Pat Heims, executive director of the Columbus Area United Way, which is partnering with the Columbus Multi-Cultural Alliance to deliver the new training program. A key component of the program will provide counseling to help minority citizens become familiar with financial systems. Many new Americans do not use banks and therefore have difficulty establishing credit and applying for scholarships and loans. A New Americans account has been established within the Columbus Area Community Foundation Fund. Committee members recently learned that an additional $7,200 Building Entrepreneurial Communities Act grant has been awarded to the program. Long-term goals for the New Americans program include economic empowerment, financial literacy, economic self-sufficiency and civic engagement.
ESI Earns National Award Nebraska 4-H recently received the Cathy Ashmore Leadership and Advocacy Award for the EntrepreneurShip Investigation (ESI) curriculum. The honor was presented at the 27th Annual Entrepreneurship Education Forum. The curriculum was developed in 2005 through a partnership with NCF’s HomeTown Competitiveness, the Nebraska Department of Education and other organizations. The curriculum is used in a variety of settings beyond 4-H clubs, including home schools, clubs, camps and community-based organizations. “Entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship education are critical to growing our economy, retaining and attracting back our young people, and creating a ‘line of succession’ for current businesses,” said Elizabeth Birnstihl, Associate Dean-Cooperative Extension at UNL. ESI camps and curriculum are offered in numerous NCF affiliated fund communities through 4-H, schools and community groups.
The Nebraska Community Foundation partners with community leaders to inspire charitable giving, prudently manage financial resources and make strategic investments for the prosperity of our people and our communities.
Confirmed in Compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations
6
I On the Leading Edge
IMPACT GRANTMAKING AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO NCF www.nebcommfound.org
Ford Challenge Champions Friends of NCF are stepping up to the Ford Foundation Challenge to stake their claim in Nebraska’s future. From time to time, NCF will introduce our readers to some of our major donors. We are proud to share their stories and are grateful for their significant investment in our mission.
Kathleen Thuman – Lincoln Kathleen Thuman joined the NCF Board of Directors in 1999 and served as Board Chair from 2005 to 2007. “What first attracted me to NCF was what an outstanding vehicle to give back to the towns that were so good to me. I have banks in three little towns in western Nebraska and I’m a third generation banker. So those communities have been good Kathy Thuman of Lincoln to the Thumans for three generations,” said Kathy. She now lives in Lincoln but spends most of the work week at her Farmers State Bank branches in Maywood, Trenton and Big Springs. Kathy Thuman recently made a cash contribution of $50,000 to NCF’s Ford Foundation Challenge campaign, with a pledge of an additional $100,000 over the next two years. “I really feel that the Nebraska Community Foundation’s endowment campaign is a great way to give to the whole state, and have some influence over the whole state, because we really are a single community. We’re a small population and we know each other,” Kathy said. “The Nebraska Community Foundation has given me a fabulous opportunity to get to know people and see places across the state.” Kathy said that the experience of settling her father’s estate in San Marcos, CA, made her focus on how she felt about Nebraska and where she wanted to spend the rest of her life. “When I weighed beautiful weather against the sense of community, influence, knowledge of the people, connections and communications in Nebraska, it was a no-brainer. I sold Dad’s house and I’m staying here, and I’m going to do everything that I can to improve the state,” Kathy said.
Doug and Judy Gaswick – Imperial Doug Gaswick became involved with the Imperial Community Foundation Fund (ICFF) when it launched in 1999 and has served as treasurer throughout most of the Fund’s history. Recently, Doug and his wife, Judy, made a generous commitment to both the Imperial Community Foundation Fund and the Nebraska Community Foundation. Their gift comes in the form of a life Doug and Judy Gaswick of insurance policy – $200,000 to ICFF and Imperial $50,000 to NCF – that will benefit our organizations in the future. Doug and Judy make tax-deductible contributions to fund the premiums on the policy, and the policy is owned by NCF for the benefit of ICFF and the NCF Endowment. “Without NCF, the Imperial Community Foundation Fund would probably not be here,” said Doug. “As a committee member, I cannot imagine forming and administering a foundation without NCF’s guidance and assistance.” With about 4,000 people in Chase County, the Fund has raised nearly a half million dollars in endowed assets, plus additional planned gifts. “Without NCF, the Imperial Community Foundation Fund would not be where we are today in terms of endowment funds, structure and proper compliance. I felt it was only appropriate to award NCF a portion of the gift in this regard. Besides, Nebraska is a great state to live in and I would like to help do my part to keep it that way.” Doug and Judy Gaswick have two adult children. Nathan holds degrees in accounting and finance, and is continuing his education to get a teaching certificate. Nicki is a junior at UNL and is currently the president of the UNL Women’s Math Club, which promotes women in areas of math. “Imperial is a very progressive community with strong, forward-thinking leaders. We have some very proactive committee members promoting the purpose of the Fund,” Doug said.
Contributions to the Nebraska Community Foundation July 1, 2009 – December 31, 2009 $100,000 or More The Ford Foundation – New York, NY $25,000 to $99,999 Frank and Shirley Sibert – Kearney Richard E. and Louisa L. Manning – Geneva Elaine S. Wolf * – Albion Kathleen Thuman/Farmers State Bank * – Lincoln Consolidated Companies * – Lincoln $10,000 to $24,999 Robert E. Mundy/Mundy & Associates * – Omaha Richard and Darlene Walter/ Richard Walter Insurance Agency * – Shickley Bruning State Bank * – Bruning
$5,000 to $9,999 The Day Companies Inc. * – Norfolk $2,000 to $4,999 McCook National Bank – McCook McCarthy Group Advisors LLC – Omaha Pinnacle Bank – Gretna Dennis and Nancy Stara * – Lincoln Lockwood Foundation * – Scottsbluff Judith Brockmeier * – Eustis $1,000 to $1,999 First National Bank of Omaha – Omaha Nebraska Investment Finance Authority – Lincoln Mark and Linda Graff – McCook Pete and Jonnie Peterson * – Brule Robert Kathol – Omaha Tri-County Bank * – Stuart Allen and Kay Blezek * – Lincoln
* All or a portion of this gift is part of a multi-year pledge commitment.
Bettenhausen Family Foundation – Lincoln Cornerstone Bank – York Tinstman Family Donor-Advised Fund – Lincoln McCook National Company – McCook Raymond E. and Debra Welsh * – Pender $500 to $999 Union Bank & Trust Company – Lincoln Fehringer, Mielak & Fehringer PC LLC – Columbus Shannon Harner and Philip Goddard * – Lincoln Lora Damme – Talmage Judith Scherer Connealy and Matt Connealy * – Decatur Susan M. Ugai * – Lincoln Jeff Yost and Cindy Ryman Yost * – Lincoln Harris Properties – Lincoln HBE Becker Meyer Love – Lincoln Jeff and Judy Greenwald – Lincoln Sam and Joyce Baird – Lincoln
Don Schmaderer * – Stuart Jon and Jennifer Schmaderer * – Stuart $100 to $499 Brandon W. and Tammy C. Day – Norfolk Joe Ferguson * – Norfolk Karl “Jack” Randecker, Sr. – Farnam Lori J. and Russell Pankonin * – Imperial Doug and Pat Friedli * – Nebraska City Susan Stibal and Brian Ardinger – Lincoln Jana and J.C. Jensen * – Bingham Karla and Matthew Egger * – Martell Marcia A. White * – Lincoln Amy and Craig Fey * – Crete Irv and Wanda Omtvedt – Lincoln Jim and Terri Gustafson * – Lincoln Les and Terri Long * – Lincoln Steven Hutchinson and Susan Thomas – Omaha
On the Leading Edge I
7
NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE
PAID 650 J Street, Suite 305 PO Box 83107 Lincoln, NE 68501-3107 (402) 323-7330 • Fax (402) 323-7349 www.nebcommfound.org info@nebcommfound.org
LINCOLN, NE PERMIT NO. 449
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Volunteers
BEST PRACTICES www.nebcommfound.org
Best Practice: Connecting With Community How does an affiliated fund in a small city with lots of community benefit institutions distinguish itself? The Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund positions itself as the organization that invests in people. Late last year the Fund received the 2009 Catalyst for Change Award from Partners for Otoe County. The award recognized NCCFF for the alcohol-free, familyfriendly street dance it sponsored last summer. The event featured live music. Admission was only $5 and kids 12 and under were free. It was an opportunity to increase public awareness about the Fund’s unique mission that focuses on people rather than bricks and mortar projects. Non-traditional
scholarships were awarded to adults furthering their education in business, construction management and nursing. The Fund announced its second philanthropist of the year award, honoring those who also give of their time and talent. According to NCCFF committee member Scott VanderVeen, the purpose of the street dance was not to raise money. Rather, it was an opportunity to increase exposure for NCCFF, have fun and enjoy Nebraska City’s community life. The promotion of the event on Facebook resulted in more than 300 fans who continue to communicate about Nebraska City. Involving young people is no token effort for NCCFF. The Fund’s Youth Council is actively involved and determines how 20 percent of annual grant dollars are spent. “When the kids graduate, instead of a suitcase, let’s give them a mailbox,” VanderVeen said. The youth group kicked off the year by purchasing “Seasons Greetings” signs for the entrances to town. Representatives from the Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund Zachry Construction accept the Catalyst for Change Award from Tim Regler with Partners for Otoe donated an additional County. From left: Colin Albers, David Partsch, Dave LeGrand, Kathryn Nelson, Shawnna Silvius, Erv Friesen, Scott VanderVeen, Tim Regler and Bill Davis. $10,000 toward the
From left: Shawnna Silvius, Youth Council advisor; Tyler Avery, coordinator; Ben Rice, chair; Dave Palmtag, member; Jaclyn Kreifels, volunteer with Zachry Construction; Spencer Radke, member; and Sam Sullivan, secretary. Not pictured: Mariah Earhart, member; Adrian Duvall, treasurer; and Alyssa Claussen, vice chair.
project, which also included replacing decorations and lights. “We really appreciate the effort that this group has put forward,” said Public Properties Director Dan Giittinger. Ben Rice, Youth Council leader, said the project is the group’s first step toward downtown revitalization and restoration. “There is a lot to be done by the Youth Council this year and we’re looking forward to it,” Rice said. The Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund has completed NCF’s action planning process. Part of that plan includes a repeat performance of its successful street dance and continued youth engagement in community improvement projects.